Injuries - A brief look at players who have been missing time with injuries and their expected returns

Day-to-Day (includes players expected to make their return from the DL)Chris Perez, P, Indians (personal) – Perez is home for the birth of his child and he may take his time given the Indians have little to play for.Russell Branyan, 1B, Mariners (back) – Still hasn't started batting practice.Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C, Red Sox (thumb) – Out for season.Jason Donald, SS, Indians (finger) – Likely out for season.Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers (ribs) – Still not close to return.Jerry Blevins, P, Athletics (shoulder) – Still unavailable, regular season return is doubtful.Mike Lowell, 3B, Red Sox (head) – Not in Saturday's lineup after getting beaned with rogue one-hopper Friday.Jose Valverde, P, Tigers (elbow) – Expected to be available Saturday.Arthur Rhodes, P, Reds (foot) – Pitched Friday night.Miguel Montero, C, Diamondbacks (personal) – Away from team for birth of child.Jeffrey Karstens, P, Pirates (shoulder) – Should pitch out of bullpen before end of season.Jeff Baker, 2B, Cubs (illness) – Not in Saturday's lineup.Marlon Byrd, OF, Cubs (face) – Not in Saturday's lineup, could miss several days after taking ball to face off his own bat Friday.Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals (ribs) – Not in Saturday's lineup, could be out for season.Joey Votto, 1B, Reds (illness) – Back in Saturday's lineup.

Players on the DLFrank Francisco, P, Rangers (back) – Says he should be able to make the playoffs, last few games of season are up in the air.

Transactions - Players who have been demoted, called up, traded, released, you name it. We'll cover it here.

None today

Closer Watch - A closer look at intriguing ninth-inning situations (check out Dave Regan's Closer Grid with the link to the left)

CLE – Chris Perez is away from the team for the birth of his child and Jensen Lewis appears to be first in line for save opportunities.

LAD – With Hong-Chih Kuo's elbow acting up, he did not pitch for the second day in a row on Friday. Instead, Kenley Jansen was given the opportunity to close out a two run lead over the Rockies and he picked up his second save.

TOR – Kevin Gregg on Friday ran into trouble in the ninth and was removed after allowing a run, two hits and a walk. Jesse Carlson replaced him to retire Matt Wieters and pick up the save.

Key Matchups - Spotlight on hitters and pitchers with favorable matchups against their opponent on a particular day (generally, individual matchups with fewer than 10 at-bats are not included) *Check status

Wilson Betemit, 3B, Royals – If you're still playing at this point, you are still alive in head-to-head playoffs or your roto league has come down to end game. While Betemit has not proven himself consistently worthy of playing time in the past, the Royals are giving him plenty of opportunity in the second half. Betemit has responded by tallying a .314 average and 13 home runs in just 261 at-bats. He will continue to play through the end of the season, so if he is available, it's time to give him a shot.